Hochul Threatening National Guard Intervention in Upstate Jails Strike

By Idy Perl

Governor Kathy Hochul is taking action to address the ongoing strike by correction officers in New York, which has raised significant safety concerns.

To protect prison staff, inmates, and surrounding communities, Hochul is prepared to deploy the National Guard to manage security at state prisons if the strike persists beyond tomorrow. Additionally, she is considering disciplinary measures and working alongside the Attorney General’s office to enforce the Taylor Law, which prohibits public employees from striking.

By the time Hochul issued her statement, her office had already met with representatives from the labor union representing correction officers and leaders from the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. Sources revealed that during this meeting, officials from the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association were urged to issue a public call for their members to end the strike and return to work immediately.

Critics, however, argue that this is not the right way to handle protesters who are simply demanding fair pay and treatment.